Aeroplane Mesa Campground

Introduction / Overview

Tucked away in the expansive Gila National Forest, Aeroplane Mesa Campground is a serene and beautiful spot for those seeking a true escape from the noise and hustle of daily life. This is a small, primitive campground with only a handful of sites, which contributes to its quiet and intimate atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for local New Mexico residents who appreciate a clean and well-kept space and who are looking to truly disconnect. The campground’s location at a high elevation offers a reprieve from summer heat and a chance to enjoy the cool, crisp air of the mesa.

While the road to get there is noted to be long and very rough, the journey is rewarded with a peaceful and beautiful destination. Aeroplane Mesa is a great starting point for hikers and horseback riders who want to access the Gila Wilderness. The area is described as being "park-like" with grass interspersed with trees, offering a gentle and inviting landscape. For a genuine, back-to-nature camping experience, where you can unwind and appreciate the simple beauty of your surroundings, Aeroplane Mesa Campground is a fantastic choice that promises a clean and beautiful retreat.

Location and Accessibility

Aeroplane Mesa Campground is located in a remote area near Alamo, New Mexico, within the Gila National Forest. Its address is Alamo, NM 87825, USA, but it’s important to note that the drive to get there is part of the adventure. The access road is long and very rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and a four-wheel drive might be necessary, especially during or after inclement weather. The nearest town with services is Reserve, which is approximately a two-hour drive away.

Despite the challenging access, the campground is worth the effort for those who are prepared. The elevated position offers a cooler climate and stunning vistas. As a primitive campground, it does not have some of the amenities of more developed sites, but it is well-kept and clean, making it a comfortable base camp for your adventures. The small number of sites further contributes to its secluded and tranquil feel, ensuring a peaceful experience for all who visit.

Services Offered

• Public Restrooms: The campground provides vault toilets, which are noted to be well-kept and clean, a valuable amenity in this remote setting.

• Running Water: Please be aware that, according to public information, potable running water is not available at this site. Visitors must come prepared with all the water they need for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

• Tent Sites: Aeroplane Mesa Campground offers a few designated tent sites, providing a space for a traditional camping experience.

• Camping Fee: The campground is a fee-based site, and while it is minimal, the camping fee contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds.

• Fire Rings: Sites are equipped with fire rings, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking when conditions permit.

Features / Highlights

• True Seclusion: With only a few campsites, this location offers a high degree of privacy and a quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from crowded areas.

• Access to Gila Wilderness: The campground serves as a trailhead for the Aeroplane Mesa Trail (#705), which provides direct access into the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness for hikers and horseback riders.

• Beautiful Scenery: The elevated mesa offers beautiful, high-elevation grasslands with scattered ponderosa pine trees, creating a scenic and open landscape.

• Kid and Dog-Friendly: Aeroplane Mesa Campground is considered a good destination for kids and allows dogs, so the whole family can come along to enjoy the peace and quiet.

• Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to wildlife, including elk herds that favor the open country, providing a chance for nature observation.

• Clean and Well-Maintained: Visitors frequently praise the campground for its cleanliness and overall well-kept condition, which is a testament to the care put into the site.

• Equestrian-Friendly: The site has an adjacent parking area with horse corrals for those who want to camp with their horses.

Contact Information

For more information about Aeroplane Mesa Campground, you can contact the Gila National Forest:

• Address: Alamo, NM 87825, USA

• Phone: (575) 533-6231 or +1 575-533-6231

What is worth choosing

Choosing Aeroplane Mesa Campground is choosing a pristine and authentic New Mexico camping experience. What makes this particular location stand out is its secluded nature and the incredible access it provides to the Gila Wilderness. While the drive to get there is demanding and requires a suitable vehicle, the reward is a tranquil and beautiful environment that feels a world away from everything. The small number of sites ensures that you'll have a peaceful stay without the noise and crowds found at larger campgrounds.

The fact that this campground is a gateway to extensive hiking and horseback riding trails is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The "clean and beautiful" environment, as noted by a visitor, makes it a comfortable base for exploring the unique landscape. Even though it is a primitive site, the presence of clean vault toilets and fire rings adds a touch of convenience that is much appreciated. For anyone in New Mexico looking for a true escape into the wilderness, who is prepared for a rugged journey, Aeroplane Mesa Campground offers an unforgettable experience that is worth the effort to get there. It’s a perfect spot for those who seek to find beauty and solitude in the vast landscapes of the Gila National Forest.

Aeroplane Mesa Campground

Alamo, NM 87825, USA